Here are some specific things you can do to cope with loneliness?
- Direct your thinking outward to others rather than thinking excessively about self.
- Determine that you can control your own attitudes and emotions. Ask God for His Spirit of love and joy (Galatians 5:22).
- Be friendly! Smile! Laugh! Positive actions and emotions are contagious and will encourage others to want to be around you (Proverbs 18:24).
- Go to church and church activities and fellowship with others. Consider their needs and try to encourage and uplift them (Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 John 1:3).
- Participate in various activities. Be involved with others.
- Adopt a pet from a shelter. A dog or cat will love you unconditionally!
- Volunteer your service to others. There are various volunteer programs at hospitals, schools and libraries. Consider visiting a nursing home to cheer up the patients. You will soon have a different perspective about loneliness.
- Learn new things. Develop a new hobby. Expand your interests. Engage in conversations with others about current events and common interests.
- Use technology to be in touch. When used properly, the internet can be an amazing blessing for communication and interaction with others. E-mail, Facebook and Twitter can be fun! If you have an Apple product, here’s how to use FaceTime.
- Establish a circle of friends that you talk to on the phone. Include people who may also be in lonely situations. Make it your mission to help them.
- Ask your church pastor about shut-ins or those who could use extra encouragement. Every day you can help brighten someone else’s day, and your day will be brightened too!
- If you have deep loneliness and depression that you can’t pull out of, please seek help through counseling.
Taken From: Bible Study Guides/Coping with Loneliness.
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